Muriel Saldalamacchia
For more than 10 years in the destination wedding business, travelling the world for weddings, Muriel is France based, but has also rocked in Italy few years ago.
Asides her travels with her clients, Muriel is also an International Speaker, dealing with her peers onto the Luxury and destination Wedding Market.
Muriel is also a French author, dealing with business methods to international peers accros the globe, while having the clients in the focus of attention. Her first book "The Anti-Ghosting-Method" is available on Amazon and Barnes & Nobles.
Getting married in Lake Como is a fully glamourous experience – it is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world for luxury weddings. Located in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, this place is the third largest Italian lake, but it stands out for its luxurious atmosphere and gorgeous views. For a destination wedding, you’ll definitely find high-end venues where you and your guests will feel spoiled from the beginning to end! Want to know are the top-notch places to get married in Lake Como? Check out the venues’ selection I’ve prepared for you.
Ultra-rich weddings in Lake Como
In the first place, this region is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world. Also, some celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and John Legend and Emily Blunt and John Krasinski decided to get married in Lake Como. In addition to that, the region has also been the scene of movies, like James Bond’s Casino Royale. Beyond the glamor and opulent architecture of its venues and hotels, this place offers gastronomic experiences in Michelin’s starred restaurants and romantic views of the lake. Not to mention that your guests will be able to enjoy unique experiences such as boat tours, wine tasting, or authentic Italian cooking classes. Are you ready to enjoy the best moment of your life in Lake Como?
Make sure you check our complete guide to plan your luxury destination wedding in Italy.
Preferred wedding venues by the ultra-rich
Villa Balbiano
If you’ve already watched the movie “The House of Gucci,” you’d probably be astonished by this centenary palazzo on the sublime western shore of Lake Como, in the area of Tremezzina. In the movie, this was the imagined home of Aldo Gucci, but in real life, ultra-rich people enjoy getting married there or even rent it for a stay.
By crossing the gateway, you’ll be mesmerized by its exquisite Italian-styled gardens. Additionally, you’ll find plenty of options to celebrate different events – from the pre-wedding to the day after. Nevertheless, for your big day, I totally advise choosing a lakeside garden for the ceremony – its panoramic views are idyllic, and the area can accommodate 200 guests seated. Do you want to arrive at your wedding by boat? No problem, at Villa Balbiano, this is arrangeable.
However, the experience is not complete without a further look at the residence. Recently, the Villa has undergone a total refurbishment, and all of its original frescos, by the Recchi brothers and Agostino Silva, were restored. With six suites and an indoor swimming pool, its interiors are nothing but stunningly beautiful. In reality, Villa Balbiano combines the finest classic architecture with inlaid marble gilded furniture, velvet upholstery, and crystal chandeliers. As a result, the house can accommodate up to 30 guests. Check out everything Villa Balbiano has to offer you.
Villa Pliniana
Secluded and nestled between Torno and Faggeto Lario, this is a very exclusive location. Coupled with that, the most important thing for the ultra-rich who get married in Lake Como: they are far from the paparazzi. Under the administration of Sereno Hotels, the place is surrounded by thick vegetation, and it stands alone in its splendor. Built between 1574 and 1577, over its history, it has received some honored guests like Leonardo da Vinci, Napoleon, Bellini, Percy Shelley, and George Byron.
Above all, its lush gardens with Lake Como as a backdrop are a magnificent scenario for your luxury wedding ceremony. The Logia, which separates the main floor into two large living rooms, can also be used to “say I do.” If you want to hold your reception indoors, they have two ballrooms, with a capacity of 100 guests. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can have your dinner on the terrace for up to 120 people. Want to do it outdoors? No problem – we can arrange dinner in the garden for up to 300 guests.
If you want to spend the whole weekend in this luxury Villa in Lake Como, it offers 18 suites that can accommodate around 40 people. In addition to that, its large apartments are full of style and sophistication. As a matter of fact, the interiors of Villa Pliniana have been fully renovated, adding a touch of contemporaneity. In case you have more guests, don’t worry: Hotel Sereno is located a few minutes’ drive from Villa Pliniana, with 30 rooms. See an extravagant wedding in Lake Como.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
In Grand Hotel Tremezzo, you’ll feel the grandeur and exuberance of the Belle Époque combined with jaw-dropping lake views. In effect, this is the perfect scenario for ultra-rich couples looking forward to throwing a fabulous party.
Moreover, the best part is that the Grand Hotel offers different options to celebrate a wedding. If you want to go “al fresco” with an outdoor wedding or welcome party, then the T-Beach is just adorable. With a gorgeous view, this lakeside beach restaurant is a charming option for cocktail soirées, informal parties, and aperitivi. I can only imagine a reception under the stars, with candlelight and signature cocktails. Doesn’t it sound amazing? Or, if you are a pizza lover and want to get a little taste of Italy, you can throw a party at T Pizza. The garden can host up to 100 guests surrounded by nature for your ceremony.
On the other hand, you also have great indoor options to get married in Lake Como. At Sala Contessa, formerly the winter dining room, you can have intimate receptions of up to 50 people – your guests will be mesmerized by its Belle Époque atmosphere, with flickering candlelight and the tinkle of silverware and crystal.
Lastly, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers a superb collection of rooms and suites. Some of them overlook Lake Como while others give you a view of the stunning Palace park. Under those circumstances, you’ll feel totally spoiled with its indulgent details – like balconies, terraces, and whirlpool tubs.
Villa Bonomi
Located on the western coast of Lake Como, this fantastic property overlooking the lake is the new it-place in the region. Undoubtedly, this instagrammable scenario is really successful among celebrities and influencers. The Villa is equipped with versatile rooms and spaces that can host various types of events. Firstly, your destination wedding there can start with a cocktail at Club B, an elegant boudoir with a charming terrace overlooking the lake.
Then, you can say “I do” at their stunning four-acre Parterre garden, designed by Pietro Porcinai, with an unforgettable view of the lake and the mountains. This place can host events for up to 400 guests. The Loggia is also an excellent option to celebrate your wedding ceremony overlooking the gorgeous landscape.
In contrast to that, if you want to do your wedding reception indoors, I have great news: its interiors have been totally redesigned, and you’ll feel over the moon with its décor. Indeed, multiple interconnected halls are available for weddings up to 160 guests. If it rains, you can hold your ceremony indoors as Plan B – its vast windows provide a light and airy atmosphere.
Also, this venue offers 11 elegant Suites with stunning views to accommodate the couple and their favorite people.
Photo: Stefano Scatà
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Looking forward to having a fairy-tale wedding in a sophisticated atmosphere? Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, also known as “Pearl of Lake Como,” might be a good fit for you. Above all, you’ll be spoiled from the moment you set your feet in – that’s why the ultra-rich love it. First, they can serve a special breakfast for the couple on the wedding day. Then, you can choose among their relaxing treatments.
Due to its strategic location in the middle of the lake, this 5-star hotel in Bellagio offers a privileged view of the region. Additionally, the ceremony can be held in the hotel garden, but you can also celebrate it indoors if you prefer.
For the wedding reception, there are two options. First, the grand Salone Reale, with the capacity for up to 220 people, is perfect If you want to have a dancefloor with live bands and DJs. On the other hand, the Sala Tivano is better if you’re going to have an intimate lunch or dinner with a view of the lake – it accommodates up to 70 guests.
Looking forward to offering a fancy dinner for your guests? This hotel can provide a first-class gastronomic experience prepared by the Michelin-starred chef, Ettore Bocchia.
In Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, you can also host all sorts of festivities (before and after the wedding), like Italian-style aperitifs, an open bar, or à la carte finger food. In addition to that, all of this is surrounded by the views over the lake.
Photo: Luigi Rota – FotorotaStudio
Pre- and post-wedding events
Looking for a venue to host a rehearsal dinner, a welcome cocktail party, or a post-wedding brunch for your guests? I’ve selected some special placees:
Villa Erba
Located in the village of Cernobbio, Villa Erba is a lakefront property with an immense botanical park – perfect for a photo session. Another great option is throwing a welcome party with fireworks overlooking the lake and signature cocktails. Nonetheless, in case it rains, you can do it at the cathedral hall, surrounded by dramatic stone balconies and frescoed ceilings and walls.
©Gianni di Natale Photographer
Villa Pizzo
In the first place, you should know that this was the place chosen by the model Chrissy Teigen and the singer John Legend to get married in Lake Como. Since their caterers specialize in refined dining, you can host events like a rehearsal dinner or a brunch post-wedding. Furthermore, the events can be held outdoors, overlooking the lake, or inside beautifully decorated spaces.
Hotel Villa D’Este
First, this luxury 5-star resort in Lake Como likes to see itself as more than a hotel – a destination. Above all, this place has received many aristocrats – princesses, marquises, sultans, and tsars. Beyond the lake view, it is surrounded by a beautiful 10-hectare private park. The Sporting Club of Villa d’Este would be an excellent fit for a pool party with your wedding guests.
Il Sereno
Located on Lake Como’s eastern shore, this hotel combines a modern design with a natural ambiance. There, you can book many activities for you and your guests, like a wine tasting or an authentic Italian cooking experience. If you want to relax before the wedding, their SPA disposes of an outdoor relaxation area with a pool literally built over the water, as well as a sauna and a steam room. Equally important, you’ll also find massages along with a wide range of rejuvenating treatments.
©Gianni di Natale Photographer
Mandarin Oriental – Lake Como
Nestled on the sunny forest shores of Lake Como, Mandarin Oriental is known for its peaceful atmosphere. In this resort, you’ll be able to celebrate your rehearsal dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant L’ARIA, CO.MO Bar & Bistrot or perhaps throw a welcome party at the Pool Bar by the resort’s floating pool on the lake. All things considered, the hotel also offers unique experiences for your guests: renting a 1959 Alfa Romeo to drive through some Italian routes, a mixology class, a boat tour, a pizza class, or a bike experience.
